ADB Launches Road Map for Cleaner Fuels, Vehicles in Asia
November 19, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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The report, titled A Road Map for Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles in Asia, was compiled by a team consisting of Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) and consultants.
The report recommends steps to improve fuel quality and vehicle emissions for creating better air quality in the region.
Emissions from motor vehicles continue to threaten the environment and lives of Asia's urban population. Vehicle emissions in many Asian countries are expected to increase over the next few decades, as the vehicle population increases.
If no effective action is taken to clean up fuels and vehicles, urban air quality will continue to decline, according to the report.
"Cleaner fuels will play an important role in reducing vehicle emissions and improving urban air quality in Asia," the report said.
"Fuel specifications influence emissions, but they also influence driveability, engine wear and fuel efficiency, which are also important in terms of greenhouse gas emissions."
Reducing emissions from motor vehicles depends upon introducing cleaner fuels for the advanced emission control technologies that require these cleaner fuels.
The report recommends that sulfur in gasoline and diesel be reduced to enable the use of advanced emission control technologies. This will enable Asia to adopt vehicle emission standards similar to those in Japan, Europe and the U.S.
The report also recommends that after the phase-out of leaded gasoline, decision making on the use of additives to enhance octane levels in gasoline requires consideration.
The report concludes that there are no technical obstacles to producing cleaner fuels in Asia. It argues that producing cleaner fuels is cost effective and will have large economic benefits because of the health benefits associated with the positive impact of cleaner fuels on air quality.
The report explains how taxing policy and other incentives can be used to speed up the introduction of cleaner fuels. It highlights the importance of involving all stakeholders and raising awareness of the benefits of cleaner fuels.
For more information, go to the ADB web site.
Source: Asian Development Bank (ADB).